Diamonds are a symbol of luxury, power, and exclusivity. In the auction world, these precious stones reach prices that defy imagination, especially when it comes to unique specimens with rare characteristics like color, weight, or significant history. Some of the most expensive diamonds in the world have passed through the most prestigious auction houses, where they have become record-breaking price stories. Below, we explore some of these historic diamonds and the reasons behind their exceptional value.
The Most Expensive Diamonds Sold at Auction
1. The Pink Star
- Price: $71 million
- Weight: 59.6 carats
- Sale Date: April 2017 at Sotheby’s, Hong Kong
The Pink Star is a 59.6-carat Fancy Vivid pink diamond, the largest with this color and clarity classification. Discovered in 1999 in Africa by De Beers, it took two years of careful work to cut it into its current oval shape. Its impressive size and color make it one of the world’s most sought-after pink diamonds, achieving the highest price ever paid at an auction.
Besides its carat value, the Pink Star has captivated global attention for its clarity. This diamond is extremely rare, with only 1% of all diamonds exhibiting a Fancy Vivid color. Its sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong in 2017 set a world record, underscoring the value and appeal of intensely colored diamonds.
2. The Oppenheimer Blue
- Price: $57.5 million
- Weight: 14.62 carats
- Sale Date: May 2016 at Christie’s, Geneva
The Oppenheimer Blue is a Fancy Vivid Blue diamond, regarded as the largest of its kind ever sold at auction. Named in honor of Sir Philip Oppenheimer, one of the most influential figures in the diamond trade during the 20th century, this 14.62-carat diamond boasts a rich, uniform color and combines history, beauty, and rarity.
The blue color in diamonds results from trace amounts of boron in the crystal structure, and only a limited number of diamonds exhibit such a vibrant blue hue. This diamond was sold at a Christie’s auction in Geneva, becoming the most expensive blue diamond in the world at that time.
3. The Blue Moon of Josephine
- Price: $48.4 million
- Weight: 12.03 carats
- Sale Date: November 2015 at Sotheby’s, Geneva
The Blue Moon of Josephine is a 12.03-carat Fancy Vivid blue diamond, known for its vibrant color and clarity. It was purchased by Hong Kong billionaire Joseph Lau, who renamed it in honor of his daughter, Josephine. The diamond’s deep blue color and clarity make it one of the most valuable gems of its kind.
This diamond is also notable for being one of the few with perfect clarity and a Fancy Vivid Blue color. It was mined in South Africa and has become a symbol of paternal love, as Joseph Lau also purchased another pink diamond named for his other daughter, Rosé.
4. The Graff Pink
- Price: $46 million
- Weight: 24.78 carats
- Sale Date: November 2010 at Sotheby’s, Geneva
This pink diamond, known as The Graff Pink, weighs 24.78 carats and is classified as Fancy Intense Pink. It was purchased by jeweler Laurence Graff, who named it after himself. This diamond is renowned for its uniform color and emerald cut, which enhances its clarity and intense coloration.
Before Graff acquired it, this diamond was part of a private collection for over 60 years. Its value comes from its size, color, and clarity, making it one of the most valuable pink diamonds ever sold at auction.
5. The Princie Diamond
- Price: $39.3 million
- Weight: 36.65 carats
- Sale Date: April 2013 at Christie’s, New York
The Princie Diamond is a 36.65-carat Fancy Intense Pink diamond, originating from the Golconda mines in India, which also produced other historic diamonds. This diamond was discovered over 300 years ago and was first sold to Indian royalty, from which its name originates.
Its history and provenance, along with its size and vibrant pink color, make it one of the most iconic gems. It was auctioned at Christie’s and quickly drew attention from collectors for its rarity and historical connection.
Factors Influencing the Value of Diamonds at Auction
Fancy Vivid colored diamonds, such as pink and blue ones, are typically the most valued at auctions as they represent only a tiny fraction of all diamonds mined. The most important factors determining auction value include:
- Color: Vibrant, rare colors such as blue and pink are extremely valuable.
- Clarity: Diamonds without inclusions and with high clarity significantly increase in value.
- Size: Carat weight directly influences price. Large diamonds are rare and, therefore, highly sought after.
- History: The provenance of a diamond, especially if it was owned by historical figures or royal families, adds emotional and cultural value.
For more information on how diamond value is assessed and what factors to consider, you can consult our Complete Guide to Buying Diamonds and our article on how much a carat of diamond is worth.
Conclusion
These diamonds are not only impressive pieces of jewelry but also testimonies of history and the global market. Their sale at auctions confirms the growing interest and demand for intensely colored, exceptionally large diamonds. These diamonds represent some of the world’s most secure and coveted gemstone investments, with each piece telling a story of exclusivity, luxury, and lasting value.
To learn more about other historic gems and record prices in the market, you can explore our article on The 10 Most Famous Diamonds.
